Having hardwood flooring in your home can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any room, but it is also susceptible to scratches from everyday wear and tear. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to help restore the original look of your hardwood floors.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove scratches from hardwood floors with simple tools and techniques that you can do yourself.
Buff Scratched Areas
There are a few easy ways to buff out scratches and restore your floors to their original beauty.
To start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need a soft cloth, steel wool, sandpaper, wood filler, and a stain marker that matches your floor. Once you have everything you need, start by cleaning the area around the scratch with a dust mop or vacuum. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the buffing process from working properly.
Next, use the steel wool to buff out the scratch. Start with a coarse grade and then move to a finer grade until the scratch is no longer visible. If the scratch is still visible, use sandpaper to sand it down until it’s flush with the rest of the floor. Once the scratch is gone, use wood filler to fill in any holes left behind by the steel wool. Allow the filler to dry completely before proceeding.
Rub Walnuts on Scratched Areas
If you have ever stumbled across a walnut on a nature hike, you may have noticed that the hard outer shell has a rough, textured surface. This same quality can be used to your advantage when it comes to removing scratches from hardwood floors. Simply rub the walnut meat over the scratch, applying gentle pressure.
The rough texture of the nut will help to buff out the scratch, leaving your floor looking as good as new. You can even use this method on furniture, such as tables and chairs. Just be sure to test a small area first to ensure that the walnut does not damage the finish.
With a little elbow grease, you can say goodbye to unsightly scratches and extend the life of your beloved hardwood floors.
Fill in Scratched Areas With Marker
Filling in a scratch on hardwood can be a quick and easy way to repair the damage and restore the beauty of your floors. The most important thing to remember is to choose a marker that closely matches the colour of your hardwood.
Once you have found the right colour, simply fill in the scratch with the marker. To blend the colour, try using a slightly lighter shade of marker or a touch of furniture polish. For best results, allow the ink to dry overnight before walking on the floor. With a little time and effort, you can easily fix hardwood floor scratches and keep your floors looking like new.
Use Wood Filler
Wood filler is a versatile repair material that can be used to fill in scratches on hardwood floors. First, identify the direction of the scratch and select a wood filler that closely matches the colour of the floor. Then, using a putty knife, apply the filler in the direction of the scratch, being careful not to overfill.
Once the filler is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand it down so that it is flush with the rest of the floor. For best results, finish by applying a coat of wood sealer. This will help to protect the repaired area from future damage.
Make a Natural Solution
For light scratches, you can try using natural oil, like olive oil or coconut oil. Simply apply a small amount of oil to a clean cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. The oil will help to fill in the scratch and blend it with the surrounding area.
For deeper scratches, you might need to use a little bit of sandpaper. First, find a piece of sandpaper that is close in grit to the finish on your floor. Too high of grit will leave marks, while too low will not be effective.
Once you have the right sandpaper, gently sand over the scratch in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Sand until the scratch is no longer visible, then wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. These are just a few simple ways to remove scratches from hardwood floors. With a little time and effort, you can keep your floors looking like new for years to come.
Call a Professional
When hardwood floors are scratched and damaged, it can be difficult to determine how deep the scratches are and how best to repair them. If your hardwood floor has deep scratches, it is important to call a professional for proper assessment and removal.
A professional can assess the damage, offer advice on the best way to restore your hardwood floor back to its original beauty, and implement that solution.
Depending on the severity of the scratch, they may suggest refinishing or sanding down the affected area. Refinishing involves applying a fresh finish over an existing finish, while sanding will require stripping all finishes away from that area before refinishing.
Calling a professional not only ensures you get reliable results, but also saves time, effort, and money in the long run.
We Care About Your Hardwood Flooring in Toronto
Scratches on hardwood floors can be unsightly and frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can restore your floor’s natural beauty. With a bit of patience and effort, you can get your hardwood floors looking as good as new again.
If you realize that you need professional help, we’re here for you. At Capital Hardwood Flooring we specialize in hardwood floor scratch repair and other hardwood maintenance. Contact us today for more information. Call 416-536-2200.